The Challenge Of Turning Your Tragedy Into A Teachable Moment
I earlier wrote about the estate of Maya Angelou holding an auction of her private art collection at the Swann Galleries in New York. The piece previously discussed a quilt made by Faith Ringold, portraying a young Maya Angelou.
Today's post is about the photographer behind a photograph of a grown Maya Angelou. A hand-coloured, black-and-white silver gelatin print made by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. The print was sold for a $17,500 bid, and acquired by the The Muscarelle Museum of Art in Williamsburg, VA.
Maya Angelou by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe - Image courtesy of Swann Galleries
Moutoussamy-Ashe is an accomplished photographer who decided to become a photographer after discovering the photography collection "Sweet Flypaper of Life", by Roy DeCarava. This reminds me of Carrie Mae Weems, who too decided on the profession of a photographer after discovering the work of another photographer.
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Encyclopedia.com recount that art dealer Frank Stewart told Essence Magazine that Moutoussamy’s art photographs combine “a strong sense of people, especially black people” with a “classical simplicity of design,” to produce images that make “powerfully direct visual statements.” I think statement certainly holds true with the Maya Angelou portrait.
What I have to say I admire more though was Jeanne's ability to turn a tragic event into something precious with her craft. Namely the book "Daddy & Me." The children's book, which is made up of black and white pictures of Jeanne's daughter Camera and her late husband Arthur Ashe, tell of how a little girl lived with father as he battled AIDS.
Listening to the narrated version (linked below) was emotional for me, so I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must've been to not only capture those moments, but then also see the finished work. Beyond being a keepsake for their daughter, the pictures, much like all Moutoussamy-Ashe's pictures, tell a very vivid story.
Click on image view the narrated version
The ability to turn a tragedy into a teaching moment, and a beautiful one at that, takes tremendous strength and and is honourable for being rather selfless I have to say. I know I've had my share of pity-parties, and I'm sure you may have had one or two yourself. Turning my tears into a teachable moment is probably the last thing on my mind. I'm more so hoping to forget that feeling, never to be reminded again. And if by some chance, I think there's a valuable lesson in there somewhere, it sure wouldn't have dawned on me at that moment in time.
But that's the beauty of our passions, whatever it may be. Delving into, and expressing ourselves through what we love, key word, can result in something so magnificent because it's a genuine expression of ourselves. I've heard it be said that breakups make for the best country songs. And this explains why, their full of raw emotion.
So what I want you to take away from this is that no matter what you've been through or are going through, use your passion as an outlet. It may not make sense at the time, but afterward, when the hurt is gone, you'll be happy you created something beautiful and memorable from it.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Be blessed!